To compete in the design-build (D-B) industry, it is imperative that the participants focus on doing things dramatically different rather than how things have traditionally been done in the design-bid-build environment. The same can be said for the pitfalls of construction management. "Thinking outside the box" is a term frequently used by so many industries and businesses. At the same time, this terminology and concept is pertinent and important to D-B and certainly describes what D-B is all about.
Why is this concept so important to the D-B industry? Because the D-B firms approach the engineering and construction business in a unique and practical manner and do so by not following a traditional thought process. D-B is teamwork where consensus rules.